Deciding to open a franchise can be an exciting time in any current or prospective business owner’s career. But as with any endeavor, it’s smart to set out some realistic and achievable goals when you begin your search and ultimately your decision. Opening a franchise is a little different than starting an independent business, but that doesn’t mean that you can forget about planning right from day one. You’ll have a network of support from the start when it comes to owning a franchise, but the onus of success still lies on your shoulders as the franchisee. That means that you have to choose the right franchise for your own personal business goals and lifestyle. If you have goals in mind, you can use those to determine the right fit before you sign on the dotted line. Here are some things to think about when it comes to choosing the right franchise.

Cost

The first goal to determine is how much you have or are willing to spend to open a franchise. If you’re interested only in low-cost franchises, then that narrows the search down. If you’re open to more expensive ones as well as low-cost options, you have a little bit more investigation to do to determine which is the right fit for you.

Longevity and Recognition

Buying into a franchise comes with some amount of brand recognition. However, each franchise is on its own journey – some have been around for decades while others are just getting started. One goal to evaluate is whether you’d like to have a business with instant and undeniable recognition or if you’re interested in investing in a newer brand. Both have their benefits and the decision truly comes down to your own business goals.

Lifestyle

The goals you set out for your franchise must consider the reality of your preferred lifestyle. If you’re looking for more flexibility in business ownership, then you’ll need to seek out a franchise that provides it. If you’re more interested in being highly involved in daily operations, you’ll need to find a franchise that fits that desire. Luckily, there are a myriad of options when it comes to franchise ownership and many don’t require experience in the industry in which they operate, like our salon franchise. 

Another thing to think about is if you’re looking to build a business that can sustain and engage your family. Family businesses can be ultimately rewarding and successful, but finding the right franchise is key. Whether you’re interested in simply working with your family members or building a business that you can hand down to your children, there is a franchise that can work for your goals.

Immediate Goals

Once you’ve decided what kind of franchise to open, it’s time to set out some immediate goals for success. From cash flow to customer satisfaction, there are a few things you want to focus on for your first year in business. 

• Reputation – The first goal on your list should be to build an excellent reputation as a business. That means a focus on customer service, satisfaction, and retention. You’ll have some built-in support and recognition from your franchise, but it’s up to you to make it work on a daily basis.
• Inventory – Many franchises require inventory, which can lead to overage and waste. However, if you’re buying into another franchise, it is important to keep an eye on how much inventory you buy and how much goes out.

Having goals before and after you’ve opened a business can steer your entrepreneurial ship towards success. Starting with a knowledgeable foundation and building a business with attainable goals in mind can set any new or experienced business owner up to succeed. Whether you’re opening a salon franchise with us or exploring any of the many options out there, goal setting and crushing is going to serve you well now and in all future endeavors both personally and professionally!

If you’d like more information about Fantastic Sams or to evaluate why our salon franchise is right for you, contact us today!